Hello Friends,
As mental health awareness month winds down, and as the founder and director of the Get Folks Fishing Foundation, I am compelled to re-share our mission and invite those of you who haven’t already, to join us in our cause.
GFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the core mission of promoting recreational fishing for its tangible mental health benefits to calm anxiety and foster community-building — all year round. My 30-year film and video directing career has equipped me with a skill for storytelling that I now harness to bring to light the transformative effects of fishing.
Fishing is not just a peaceful pastime, it’s a subtle healer — a known salve for those recovering from illness and individuals grappling with PTSD. But its healing touch extends even further; fishing is a tranquil refuge for everyday folks battling the daily stressors of work and life.
Moreover, fishing is also about people. It's about the shared silence, the exchanged stories, the collective anticipation of the next bite - it's about nurturing a sense of community. In partnership with "Lunkerville," my award-winning fishing TV show, we've reached millions of viewers, sharing inspiring fishing stories and spreading the word about its therapeutic power.
We have engaged diverse communities and formed partnerships with major industry players. And we are just getting started.
Our vision for 2023 and beyond includes ambitious plans: To expand our After-School Fishing Program; launch regional community fishing clubs for adults; onboard seasoned advisors to our GFF board; align with a national mental health organization; and procure additional funding from national grant, corporate, and public sources.
Right now, though, we need your support to help kickstart this vision into a reality. Your contribution to GFF - whether large or small - is not merely a donation; it's an investment in the well-being of individuals and communities. It's a pledge towards harnessing the therapeutic power of fishing for mental health and social wellness for everyone, at every age and in every demographic.
By partnering with GFF, you can help us reach out to more people and communities, inspiring them to discover and embrace recreational fishing. Your support could catalyze someone's journey toward tranquility and a stronger sense of community.
So I’m urging you to join us in our mission to turn every month into Mental Health Awareness Month and help us significantly impact the lives of individuals, families, and communities across America.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and your support. Remember, we're not just getting folks fishing - we're casting a line for better mental health.
https://getfolksfishing.org/pages/donate
Lunkerfully yours,
Michael deAvila - Founder/Director - GFF